Back in the Game Pt4

Posted on Fri Jan 22nd, 2021 @ 10:51am by Commander Jonathan Roebuck IV & Lieutenant Heath Carter & Lieutenant JG Victor Clayton & Lieutenant JG Marshall Robinson

1,024 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 108 – Tragedies, Fortunes, and an Endgame
Location: USS Cutlass/Dreggs
Timeline: MD3 - 1700hrs

ON:

Several minutes later the Cutlass’s shuttle passed through the asteroid field and landed in one of Dregg’s hangers. As Roebuck and Carter looked around, several old shuttles were scattered around, along with a few Ju'day type craft and a new shiny vessel painted red and gray.

Carter looked the new ship over when someone walked up. “You can look, but can’t touch.” He blew out cigar smoke as he eyed Carter. “And if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re Starfleet.”

Carter quickly looked over at the man as he clinched his cigar in his teeth.

“I thought I smelt an old shoe burning.” Roebuck said as he walked up.

“I knew it.” The man said as he shook his head, then blew smoke again.

“Heath Carter, Cristóbal Rios.” Roebuck said.

“He’s going to blow our cover.” Carter leaned in and whispered to Roebuck.

“No he’s not.” Roebuck said aloud, eyeing Rios.

“It’s not my style.” Rios added.

“Have you seen a Ju'day dock in the last little bit?” Roebuck asked.

“No, but I know someone who would know.” Rios said as he looked at his short cigar and tossed it aside. “Kanan.”

“Kanan is here?” Roebuck asked.

“He’s in the Snake Pit.” Rios replied. “Don’t ask me anything else, I’m not getting involved…but if you see Vercetti when you get back home, tell him he still owes me a case, or my money back.”

Roebuck nodded.

“Good to meet you kid.” Rios said as he patted Carter on the shoulder, “Be careful.”

“Come on.” Roebuck said as he and Carter walked into the corridor outside of the bay.

A few minutes later they walked into a shady bar called the Snake Pit. Roebuck looked around and saw a Human standing near a corner having an argument with a Tellarite.

“You short changed me!” The Tellarite said.

“No, you just can’t count.” The Human replied.

A Nausican walked up behind the Tellarite. “You own me another slip of latinum, or my friend here will show you out…an airlock.”

“Your friend wouldn’t know how to open it. If you need another slip why don’t you just over charge someone else.” The Human replied.

The Tellarite snarled, then laughed. “I like you Human, but next time, I expect to be paid in full.

After the Tellarite walked off and the Nausican returned to the other side of the bar Roebuck told Carter to wait near the door as he walked over to the Human.

“Kanan” Roebuck said quietly as he sat in a chair behind him so he could also see the whole room.

“Roebuck, what the hell are you doing here?” Kanan asked.

“I’m looking for Saunders.” Roebuck said.

Kanan took a drink, “Why are you looking for him?”

“He tried to assassinate the President a few hours ago.” Roebuck replied.

Kanan leaned in, “Today?”

Roebuck nodded.

“He docked about fifteen minutes ago. He’s in talking with La’tal right now, but I have to tell you, I think the assassination attempt was a ruse.” Kanan said.

“What do you mean?” Roebuck asked.

“While I’ve been assigned here, gathering information for Starfleet Intel on La’tal, I’ve been hearing rumors about a plot to steal the specs for the new Inquiry class starship.” Kanan explained.

“What’s the endgame?” Roebuck asked.

Kanan shook his head, “I don’t know if they plan to sell them to the highest bidder or try to build one themselves, but if La’tal can get her hands on an advanced starship design it would be a game changer for smugglers and pirates, especially in this area.”

A moment later, Saunders walked out of a back room with his arm around an Orion woman. They were followed by A Nausican and a Klingon.

“That’s La’tal.” Kanan said.

Roebuck looked down in at the table, hoping Saunders wouldn’t see him.

Saunders hugged La’tal, then pointed at the door. A Human and an Andorian stood and followed Saunders out the door.

“Thank you.” Roebuck said as he stood.

“I’m coming with you.” Kanan said as he stood.

“Who’s your friend?” La’tal said Kanan.

“La’tal.” Kanan replied, slightly surprised. “This is Jon. We did a few jobs together in the past. He’s going to help me get that load of Positronic circuitry you’re looking for.”

“Ahh, good.” La’tal replied with a smile as she brushed her black hair back. “Then don’t let me keep you waiting.”

Kanan nodded as the two walked toward the door. Roebuck looked around and didn’t see Carter.

“Carter.”

“I’m nearing the bay, Saunders is just ahead of me.” Carter replied over the encrypted comm.

Roebuck and Kanan ran down the corridor until they were close to the bay. They saw Carter looking over a stack of power cells near Saunders’ ship.

As they tried to get through the crowd quickly without drawing attention to themselves, they saw a Nausican walk up behind Carter and put disruptor to his back.

“We can’t engage them in here.” Kanan said.

Roebuck looked around and after a moment he saw an emergency release for the smaller of the bay doors. He walked over to it and smashed the panel and hotwired the mechanism. The doors opened and air started to rush out, followed by some loose tools and equipment and a small shuttle. People tried to run out into the corridor leaving Roebuck’s team and Saunders’ crew.

Cater took the moment to break free. He turned and knocked the weapon away from the Nausican. Carter then punched the bigger man, then kicked him back. The Nausican lost his balance and fell to the deck. The suction pulled him toward the open bay door, but a forceful finally came on line before he got there. As he started to stand he was hit over the head by Kanan.

Roebuck, Carter, and Kanan then rushed aboard Saunders’ ship and it started to lift off.


tbc…

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